Oslo Attractions

Oslo has heaps of things to see and do - and most involve nature in one form or another. Begin with a hop-on hop-off harbour cruise to get your bearings. Gliding past the medieval Akershus Fortress, the old wooden sailing ship plies between City Hall, the cool Oslo Opera House and the Bygdøy Peninsula. Near City Hall is the converted old ship-yard Aker Brygge, as well as the evocative Nobel Peace Center.

At the Opera House, take a walk on the white marble roof, sloping like an ice flow into the waters of the Oslo Fjord.

Among the many attractions at Bygdøy Peninsula, you will find the large, open-air Cultural History Museum, including Gol Stave Church, a fine example of Viking era architecture. Oscarshall Summer Palace is also located at Bygdøy, and you'll also find lovely nature walks and some of the city's best beaches, including the famous Huk Beach, where swim wear is optional. Most of all, though, Bygdøy is Oslo's maritime centre, and home to several museums devoted to Norway's sea-faring past - and present. Apart from The Maritime Museum, you can find the Kon-Tiki Museum, showcasing Thor Heyerdahl's famous ancient ocean-crossing vessels, the Polar Ship Fram, used by Roald Amundsen for the race to be first to the South Pole in 1911, and very well-preserved 9th century viking ships in the Viking Ship Museum.

Going from Oslo S (the Central Station) to the Royal Palace - passing Parliament and Grand Hotel along the way - Karl Johan is Oslo's main street.

And last, but certainly not least, you haven't really experienced Oslo if you haven't tried at least one of the many nature activities on offer, like hiking in Oslomarka forest, or strolled through Frogner Park with sculptor Gustav Vigeland's 212 magnificent nudes.

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